April 17th...

This Friday we will leave this Neuro Rehab Center and begin a new leg of our journey. We've seen so much progress here and feel so very grateful for the expertise and knowledge of the therapists. Today we went outside for a good 50 minutes, using a cane. He felt good about doing that, also enjoyed it; although, a major workout for him. Just a few weeks ago walking the wheelchair along the same route, I told  him he would be walking along here soon. He just raised his eyebrows and laughed. But now he's doing it!

                                              Kevin was happy to be walking outside again 👍

We are both excited to see progress with language. He does best one on one...we've had some precious conversations lately. This is quite a journey but also a spiritual journey. Praying and reading scriptures together has always been a special experience but has taken on a new tenderness now. Elder Kim and Sue Clark's visits are always a highlight. We're grateful for the faith, prayers and encouragement of all. Love, Cindy

 Friday night date with Alec, Lacey and Wes. Great chats

and delicious Thai cuisine. 

 Happy Sams Club shoppers

 Sacrament meeting is only a half hour at the hospital so we

enjoy a few conference talks on the iPad afterwards.

Kevin's favorite reading material doubles as really effective speech therapy.

April 8th...

Thursday I was able to attend a temple session with 2 of my sisters and Jared enjoyed time with his Dad. This was extra sweet and special as I pondered on the endowment, covenants and blessings especially for Kevin and his priesthood service. I offered up many prayers throughout the session. I felt a calm, peaceful assurance of his recovery, and deep gratitude for healing blessings during these past several weeks. That evening, Kevin was anxious to have a talk... holding hands looking into each others eyes. This was a tender and heavenly experience that night. Also, our longest conversation since the stroke. I believe a tender mercy after temple worship.

 We really enjoyed our trip to the Aquarium in Draper.  We were surprised and delighted to run into his brother, Rick, with his wife and kids on an outing also for spring break!

Friday, physical therapy wanted to try a single point cane... he did SO well! 

This is much more difficult, using more of his own balance and strength. 

I think Kevin is pretending to be working out at the 

Hart fitness center at BYUI (minus the awesome required gray shirt).

Resistance work with the right arm. 

4/2-4/3

Friday Kevin broke into the biggest belly laugh!

Working on balance in front of a full length mirror and

holding his breath, the therapists were trying to get him to

BREATHE, joking around, it worked!

If it were easy we wouldn't be doing it!

We had a great weekend with many of our kids and grandkids visiting. The grandkids got involved in balloon toss and beanbag passing....grandpa was having some fun ❤️🎈
We enjoyed conference so much ...also two wonderful outings. Saturday for the priesthood session and a delicious salmon dinner (including gyoza) at Rod and Terry's...And a delectable roast beef traditional dinner at Donna and John's home. They all spoiled us and we enjoyed every bit and the company so much. Sunday as we were talking about the power of priesthood blessings and how powerfully we have felt the power of united prayers, Kevin interjected with no effort...'it's the atonement '. ❤️And it surely is ....the heavenly gift of the atonement that is blessing Kevin with healing and strength and lifting him to do things he could not do on his own. Many many thank yous for your continued faith and prayers as we continue on this journey of recovery. Love, Cindy and Kevin